Study reveals how little US citizens know about fake medicines

A new Sanofi survey reveals that only 12% of USA citizens know about fake medicines, and the majority feel they not to have enough information about this issue.

Highlights from the study:

More than half of Americans (53%) say they had never heard of fake medicines;

Only 15% make the connection between counterfeiting and medicines, while the rest linked the issue more with other goods;

Only 18% declare to have already purchased medicines online, while three-quarters are not aware of the fact that there is a risk involved (74%);

Eight out of 10 Americans feel that the greatest risk to being exposed to fake medicines comes from buying them online (79%);

However, they also believe it possible that fake medicines are found in traditional pharmacies in the United States (59%).

“Counterfeit medicines are a crime against public health and a growing global crisis […] The findings of this study demonstrate that the burden is still too poorly perceived by populations as a whole, and underline the need for the public at large to be better informed about the risks involved“, declared a representative from Sanofi.

For more information, read about the survey and download the US counterfeiting infographic above, or visit Sanofi’s website.

Think knowledge of fake medicines is any better in Europe or in Asia? Clink on the hyperlinks for more info or check how the three studies have been compared here.